The cream of the crop is taking to Melbourne Park next week for the Australian Open. BetDeluxe profiles four players who could make an impact over the two weeks of Grand Slam action.
Best Bet: Novak Djokovic
$1.85
Novak is back in Australia, and he is here to reclaim his crown.
While his price seems short, with just under a week until the tournament commences, the current world No. 5 is the undisputed king of Melbourne Park with nine titles to his name. If he hadn’t missed last year’s tournament, there’s every chance he’d already have a 10th sitting in his trophy cabinet.
However, the Serbian maestro is allowed to compete this year and enters the Open in form following his Adelaide International victory over Sebastian Korda, 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4.
The 35-year-old defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev en route to the final in Adelaide and looks primed to live up to market expectations when the Open kicks off.
Best Bet: Novak Djokovic at $1.85
Best Value: Rafael Nadal
$12
The reigning champion and world No. 2 is third in the market for this year’s title and presents real value for those who can’t take Djokovic at $1.85.
The Spaniard hasn’t set the tennis world alight in 2023, having lost both of his United Cup singles matches and raising concerns about an abdominal injury he suffered last year. However, Nadal quickly rebutted those concerns and declared himself fit for the Open.
Irrespective of any injury concerns, Nadal is the one player on tour who could fight through any niggles, and that makes his current quote of $12 a handsome prospect.
Best Value: Rafael Nadal at $12
Best Roughie: Casper Ruud
$26
It’s a bit of a stretch to highlight the third-ranked player in the world as a ‘roughie’, but at $26, he presents an enticing proposition for punters.
Ruud took his game to another level in 2022, making the French and US Open Finals and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world (currently 3rd).
He made the fourth round of the Australian Open in 2021 and enters this year’s tournament on the back of three titles last year.
The young Norwegian has as much potential as any player on tour, and, with odds of $26, he could present as a bargain for those savvy enough to follow him in.
Best Roughie: Casper Ruud at $26
Best Aussie: Nick Kyrgios
$15
Aussie Nick. The human highlight reel.
Undoubtedly, Australia’s greatest chance of ending a 47-year drought in our hometown Grand Slam.
After falling to No. 137 in the world last February, Kyrgios’ ranking rose 116 places following his second Washington title, a quarterfinal run in the US Open and a remarkable Wimbledon final appearance against Novak Djokovic.
He was unlucky to find Daniil Medvedev in the second round of last year’s Australian Open. Still, his current ranking of No. 21 should ensure an easier path through the opening rounds.
After taking out the doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios has a big game that could threaten the favourites in this year’s singles event.
Best Aussie: Nick Kyrgios at $15
